Early update because I won't be able to post tomorrow :) Hope you enjoy it!

4 June 1992

Minerva could not believe this was happening. Her heart was beating heavily in her chest and the feeling of dread, that had settled in the pit of her stomach since she had unfrozen Neville Longbottom in the common room, had intensified tenfold. Quickly she ran up the stairs to the third floor and had almost reached the top when Severus rounded the corner, equally out of breath.

"Sev-You're meant to be on the third floor!" she spluttered. "What are you doing here?"

"A reported commotion in the charms corridor," he said, gesturing behind him. "I went to look but there was no one there."

Minerva almost shouted with frustration. Instead, she grabbed Severus' arm. "It's a diversion," she said, quickly. "This is a trick, Severus. Where is Quirinus?"

"I believe in his office…" he began, trailing away when he saw the look on Minerva's face. "What–"

"We must get to the third floor," she interrupted. "Now, Severus, right now," she added when he still hadn't moved. "Potter, Granger and Weasley, they know about the stone. They left the common room an hour ago. They're probably with Quirrell now."

Severus' face whitened and Minerva was glad that he did not waste time asking how she had this information. Instead, he immediately began to follow her as she sprinted up the stairs.

They had just reached the entrance to the third floor when Albus appeared at the other end, Granger and Weasley at his heels. Minerva's mouth dropped as they met outside the door behind which Fluffy was concealed; Hermione and Ron looked equally as confused by Minerva and Snape's presence.

"Professor Snape," Albus said, without stopping to explain, "please escort Miss Granger and Mr Weasley to the Hospital Wing. Madame Pomfrey will be waiting for you there."

Hermione and Ron looked as though they were about to protest but Albus didn't give them the opportunity to speak.

"Professor McGonagall," he said, turning his attention to Minerva, "I would like you to come with me."

Without pausing he disappeared behind the door. Minerva looked dumbfounded after him, then at Granger and Weasley who were covered in scrapes and bruises.

"Minerva!" came Albus' voice from within.

Minerva pulled her eyes away from the two first-years. They were on their feet and clearly were more or less in fit condition since they had both had enough strength to run down the corridor and protest against Albus' orders.

With one last glance in Severus' direction, Minerva then slipped behind the door in time to see Albus expertly wave his wand so that a beautiful melody emitted from its wand tip. His other arm was extended towards her, his hand open wide.

"Wand out, Minerva," he said.

Minerva glanced once at Fluffy, pulled out her wand, and then reached out to grab Albus' hand. As soon as their fingertips connected he twisted on the spot, pulling her with him.

If Minerva had been under the impression that the evening so far had been a mess, it was nothing compared to the complete chaos that greeted her when she and Albus appeared seconds later in a circular room.

Flames licked almost every corner of the stone walls and, in the centre of it all, two people seemed to be struggling with each other. Albus let go of her hand and immediately made for Harry who was being crushed under Quirrell's weight.

Without pause, Minerva waved her wand to create a corridor for him through the fire. Although she tried to keep an eye on Harry, the heat emanating from the flames blurred her vision, and the power needed to control the flames was taking up most of her concentration. Swiftly, she lifted up her other arm, and with one powerful swooping motion, the magical flames dissipated and finally extinguished.

In the short time it had taken her to clear the flames, Albus had rescued Harry and was currently crouched over him. A few feet away lay a scarred, singed, crumbling body Minerva just about recognised as Quirrell's. Clearly determined it tried to move closer to Harry but Minerva's reflexes were quicker and she blasted him away. Quirrell flew back against the wall and moved no more. Not pausing to ponder on this, however, Minerva rushed to Albus' side.

"Is he—?" She reached out and pressed two fingers against Harry's wrist. "Oh, thank the Lord," she murmured faintly, closing her eyes tightly shut and letting out a deep shuddering breath.

Albus stood up, picking up an unconscious Harry as he did so.

"I will take Harry to the Hospital Wing," he told her. "Would you send a letter to the Weasley and Granger family detailing what has happened this evening?"

Minerva looked up again. "I will tell them to come here tomorrow morning," she replied. "I do not believe this is a matter we can restrict to describing in a letter."

Dumbledore nodded and Minerva glanced in the direction of the pile of ashes (previously the body of Quirinus Quirrell) by the still pristine looking mirror.

"He was possessed," she said. "Wasn't he?"

"I believe that he was," Albus replied, following her gaze. Then, shaking his head he looked back at her. "We can discuss the events of this evening, later on, Minerva. First, I must bring Harry to the Hospital Wing."

Minerva looked at the boy's small body, her eyes flicking from his pale face to his hand which seemed to be clutching something tightly. Her forehead creased into a frown, and she stood up and pried out a small red purplish stone from Harry's grasp. She stared at it for a few moments until Albus moved and held out his own hand.

She passed the philosopher's stone over.

"I will take care of Quirrell," she said hoarsely. "I will send the letters to the Grangers and the Weasleys once I'm done. And to the Dursleys," she added.

Albus nodded but Minerva had already looked away. By the time he had left she had sunk back down to the floor and put her head in her hands.